Walajah Gate, Fort St George

Wallajah Gate, Fort  St . George. This is one of the seven gates of the  Fort on the South West side of the  Fort. After the completion of the Fort in 1780s it should have been given the name since it led to the Chepauk palace of Nabob Mohd.Ali Wallajah  constructed in 1768. Since the Nawab was an important ally of the British they must have honoured him by giving his name.  Any important dignity visiting the  Fort like the Governor or Commander in Chief to take charge of their position used to be honoured by the troops by forming a street from North gate to Wallajah gate.

     It happened when Sir George  Hilaro Barlow anchored on the Madras Roads in his ship ' Sceptre' on 24th December 1807. He landed at half past  five O'  clock at the watering face of North Gate where he was received by the outgoing  Governor Bentick, Commander in Chief, Chief Secretary and principal inhabitants of the settlement with a nineteen gun salute from the saluting battery.  His Majesties 14th and 30th regiment with Native troops formed  a street extending up to Wallajah gate. After being sworn in at the  Council Chamber in Government House and inspecting a guard of honour in Parade ground the Keys of the Garrison were handed over to him. The  Governor then retired to Government Gardens Mount Road through  Wallajah  Gate escorted by his bodyguards.

       Wallajah Gate has a great antiquity associated with it compared to other gates.

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